access
access
ac·cess
I
/ˈækˌsɛs/ noun [ noncount ]
1 : a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone
All public buildings should provide wheelchair access. [=a way for people in wheelchairs to enter]
The cup holders are placed for easy access. [=so that they can be easily reached]
— often + to
The town wants to increase public access to beaches.
A dirt road provides access to the home.
2 : a way of being able to use or get something
We have Internet access at the library.
— usually + to
We have access to the Internet at the library.
I don't have access to a car right now. [=I don't have a car that I can use right now]
Patients need better access to medical care.
increasing children's access to education
They tried to gain illegal access to the company's network.
see also access time
3 : permission or the right to enter, get near, or make use of something or to have contact with someone
— usually + to
They refused to give the police access to their home.
divorced parents who want increased/improved access to their children
Investigators are trying to gain/get access to his financial records. [=trying to get the right to see his financial records]
He was granted/denied access to the report. [=he was given/refused permission to see the report]
————————
II
verb , -cess·es, -cessed, -cess·ing [ + obj ]
: to gain access to (something): such as
a : to be able to use, enter, or get near (something)
The new system makes it easier to access the money in your bank account.
Your favorite radio stations can be accessed at the touch of a button.
b : to open or load (a computer file, an Internet site, etc.)
The file loads every time you access the Web site.
The file can be accessed by many users at the same time.
She could work at home by remotely accessing the company's network.
You'll need a password to access the database.
